more than just a zombie flick

Rating: 10/10 (22 June 2004)

Directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting), 28 Days Later is one of the best films of the past 10 years. Featuring an previously unknown cast, the film tells the story of a rage virus, unwittingly set loose on England by a group of animal activists. Our protagonist, Jim, awakens 28 days later in a deserted hospital, completely unaware of the rage virus and what it has done. He wanders through desolate London, searching for someone, something, that can explain to him what is going on. Eventually he finds it, a newspaper reading EVACUATION, missing posters, and desperate notes for loved ones left on a communal message board. However, Jim still has no idea about what has done this and that he is in danger. He finds his way to a church only to encounter an infected priest and to be chased by various others. Luckily he is saved by Selena and Mark, two other survivors who are doing their best to live. They inform Jim of what has happened, the rage, the deaths, the evacuation and so on. This is a lot to take in and Jim refuses to believe that his parents are definitely dead. The next day the group sets off to Jim's home, where they discover his dead parents. Later that night the house is attacked by infected and Selena has no choice, but to kill Mark. Jim and Selena flee the scene which will soon attract more infected. Eventually they come upon a father and daughter family surviving in a block of flats. The group sets off after hearing a radio broadcast telling of the cure to infection. However, there's more to that promise than they expect.
28 Days Later is an excellent film which forces the viewer to think and feel. Though exploring familiar territory, Boyle does an excellent job, giving new life to the story.